Hyderabad: After constructing Vaikuntadhamams (crematoriums) across the State, the Panchayat Raj department is now focusing on biofencing around these structures as a means to improve aesthetics and save them from encroachments.
Under biofencing, a series of saplings are planted in rows around structures to serve as protection, besides enriching the soil and reducing pollution. As part of the Palle Pragathi programme, the department has taken up biofencing works at over 12,000 Vaikuntadhamams and cleanliness according top priority and greenery are being accorded top priority at these places.
Telangana Government as a means to facilitate people cremate their loved ones in a decent ambience with all required facilities is constructing Vaikuntadhamams in every village across the State. Accordingly, of the 12,763 planned in the State, 12,455 have been constructed and brought into service. This initiative was taken up with a cost of about Rs.1,555 crore.
Telangana is the only State in the country where in almost all gram panchayats are getting equipped with Vaikuntadhamams. Works on the balance structures will be completed at the earliest, said Panchayat Raj Minister E. Dayakar Rao in a statement.
Each Vaikuntadhamam is being constructed with all the basic components like burning platforms, waiting rooms, toilets and other amenities by spending about Rs.12.60 lakh.
Earlier, in the absence of designated place, people used to cremate the bodies in open places far from the villages. People used to face lot of difficulties and considering all these factors, the State Government has constructed Vaikuntadhamams, he said. “Since all facilities are being provided at Vaikuntadhamams, people in towns and cities are now performing cremations in their native villages” said Dayakar Rao.
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